State Releases 2018 Third Quarter Fatal Overdose Data

The Maryland Department of Health today released preliminary data today for unintentional drug and alcohol-related intoxication deaths through the third quarter of 2018. During this nine-month period, which encompasses January through September 2018, there were 1,848 total unintentional intoxication deaths, an eight percent increase over the same period in 2017. Of the total, 1,648 were opioid-related deaths, a 10 percent increase, which can primarily be attributed to fentanyl.

In Allegany County, there were 34 deaths, up 3 from the same period last year; while Garrett County saw just 3 deaths, down four from last year.

Heroin-related deaths decreased 23 percent in 2018 compared with the same January through September period in 2017. Prescription opioid-related deaths declined by 10 percent in the first three quarters of 2018 compared to the same period in 2017. Carfentanil-related deaths dropped from 57 to two during this period.

“We’ve seen a continued decline in heroin-related deaths since the third quarter of 2017, but despite that positive trend fentanyl-related deaths and cocaine-related deaths in combination with opioids continue to surge," said Maryland Department of Health Secretary Robert R. Neall. "Treatment and prevention options are available 24/7 for those who need help by dialing 211 and pressing 1, or by texting your zip code to 898-211."

Fentanyl continues to be the deadliest substance, with 1,449 fentanyl-related deaths occurring in the first three quarters. This is a 24 percent increase over the same time period last year. Fentanyl was complicit in 88 percent of opioid-related deaths during this period.

Cocaine-related deaths, the second most prevalent drug among overdose deaths, continue to rise as well, though deaths from cocaine not in combination with opioids dropped slightly. Comparing the period of January through September 2017 and 2018, the number of cocaine-related deaths increased 41 percent. The increase in cocaine-related deaths can be attributed to cocaine combined with opioids, which were found in nearly 90 percent of cocaine-related deaths so far in 2018.

“Here in Maryland, all of our state agencies are highly engaged with local governments, the private sector, faith-based organizations, and service providers statewide,” said Steve Schuh, executive director of the Opioid Operational Command Center. “As fentanyl continues to ravage our communities, all hands are on deck and we are all working together to fight this epidemic.”

Fighting the heroin and opioid epidemic in Maryland has been a top priority of the Hogan-Rutherford administration. The Maryland Department of Health, in partnership with the Opioid Operational Command Center, and other state agencies, continue to collaborate with federal, state, and local partners to fight to reduce the number of overdoses and resulting fatalities in a multitude of ways.

Before It’s Too Late is the state’s effort to bring awareness to this epidemic—and to mobilize resources for effective prevention, treatment, and recovery. Marylanders grappling with a substance use disorder can find help at BeforeItsTooLateMD.org, by calling 211 and pressing 1, or by texting their zip code to 898-211.